Power Laces Worksheet Power of the Laces
Lesson 1: Striking with Power (The Instep Drive)
Player Name
Training Date
The "Secret" Cue
"Toe down, laces through, follow to the goal!"
Anatomy of a Power Shot
Label the "Sweet Spot" on the top of the foot where the laces are located.
1
Plant Foot: Placed beside the ball, pointing at the target.
2
Knee Positioning: Lean forward with your knee over the ball.
3
Ankle Lock: Point your toes down and lock your ankle tight.
4
Follow Through: Land on your striking foot after the kick.
Power Practice Log
Perform 10 strikes from a stationary position. Check off each successful "Full Power" strike.
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
Reflect on your form:
What was the hardest part of keeping your knee over the ball? How did it change your shot?
Power Laces Slides Lesson 1
Power of the Laces
Mastering the Instep Drive
Power
Form
Confidence
The Secret
What is the secret to kicking the ball hard without hurting your toes or sending it over the fence?
"It's all about the sweet spot and the lock."
Think About It
Where do your shoes have the most padding?
4 Steps to Pure Power
1
Plant
Place your non-kicking foot beside the ball, pointing at the target.
2
Lock
Toes down, ankle locked tight like a rock. Strike with the laces.
3
Lean
Keep your head down and your knee directly over the ball.
4
Follow
Swing through and land on your kicking foot for max momentum.
Why the
Instep?
Largest surface area on the foot for striking.
Strongest bones (the "instep") handle high impact.
Drives the ball forward instead of upwards.
Pro Warning
Striking with your toes can cause injury and poor accuracy. Tuck the toes, use the laces!
On the Pitch!
We are heading out to practice the Instep Drive. Focus on your mechanics first—power will follow!
Station 1
Stationary Strikes
Station 2
One-Touch Drives
Station 3
Power vs Nets
Power Laces Teacher Guide Power of the Laces
Lesson 1: Instructional Guide
5th Grade PE
Duration
45 - 60 Minutes
Objective
Apply mechanics to strike a ball with max power using the instep.
Equipment
Size 4/5 balls, cones, goals or fence targets.
Teaching Progression
1
Introduction & Hook (5 mins)
Use Slide 2 to discuss the "Secret." Demonstrate the padded part of the foot (instep) vs. the toes. Explain that the instep drive is the most efficient transfer of energy.
2
Dry Run Mechanics (10 mins)
Students practice the "4 Steps" without a ball. Focus on the Ankle Lock (toe down) and Follow Through (landing on the kicking foot). Watch for balance on the plant foot.
3
Stationary Strike Drill (15 mins)
Pair students up. Striker shoots into a large goal/net from 10 yards. Partner evaluates form using the checklist. Rotate after 10 strikes.
4
The "Wall Challenge" (15 mins)
Students strike the ball hard against a wall or fence. If it returns with speed, they hit it with the correct power. Focus: Head down, knee over ball to prevent the ball from flying too high.
Coaching Cues
"Toe to Grass": Keep the toe pointed down throughout."Hit the Laces": Aim for the exact center of the ball."Crunch the Abs": Lean slightly forward to stay over the ball.
Common Errors
Leaning Back: Causes the ball to go over the goal.Loose Ankle: Reduces power and risks injury.Plant Foot too far: Causes reaching and loss of balance.
Differentiation
For Support
Allow students to strike a stationary ball from a shorter distance. Use slightly deflated balls to make "locking the ankle" feel more stable.
For Challenge
Introduce a "Setup Touch." Have students roll the ball slightly forward before striking. Challenge them to hit a specific 2x2ft target in the goal.
Precision Placement Slides Lesson 2
Precision Placement
Accuracy Over Power
Accuracy
Composure
Corners
The Gentle
Strike
Why do professional players sometimes pass the ball into the goal when they are right in front of it?
"It's easier to find the corner than to break the net."
Think About It
If you are 5 yards away from a goal with a keeper in the middle, where is the most space?
Left Corner
Right Corner
Technique: The Inside Foot
Open the Gate
Turn your kicking foot outward so the inside faces the ball.
Firm Foundation
Keep your ankle locked, but not as stiff as the power shot. Think: "Big Pass."
Pick a Spot
Glance at the keeper, find the gap, and keep your head steady.
Power
Used for: Long shots, clear paths, breaking through defense.
Instep (Laces)
Precision
Used for: Close range, 1-on-1 with keepers, tight angles.
Inside of Foot
Target Practice
The goal is divided into Target Zones. Can you place the ball exactly where the keeper isn't?
10 pts
20 pts
30 pts
Aim for the side netting!
Precision Placement Worksheet Precision Placement
Lesson 2: Goal Scoring Log
Player Name
Training Group
The Corner Challenge
Imagine the goal is divided into zones. The corners are worth more because that is where the goalkeeper can't reach! Strike 10 balls using the inside of your foot .
30 PTS
GK ZONE
30 PTS
Attempt Zone Hit (Left/Center/Right) Points 1 2 3 4 5
Total Score
Mindset Moment
How did your follow-through change when you aimed for the corner instead of just hitting it hard?
Pro Strategy
The goalkeeper starts moving towards you. Should you use power or placement? Explain why.
Precision Placement Teacher Guide Precision Placement
Lesson 2: Instructional Guide
5th Grade PE
Duration
45 - 60 Minutes
Objective
Accurately place shots into goal corners using the inside of the foot.
Skill Focus
Composure, angle of approach, inside-foot technique.
Lesson Progression
1
Concept Intro (5 mins)
Review the Power Shot (laces). Ask: "When is power a bad idea?" (Close range, crowded area). Introduce the "Inside Foot Pass" to the goal.
2
The "Open Gate" Drill (10 mins)
Students stand 5 yards apart. Practice passing the ball with the inside of the foot. Focus on turning the foot 90 degrees and keeping the ankle locked. "Pass the ball to your partner's feet."
3
Corner Target Practice (20 mins)
Setup goals with cones 2 feet from each post. Students aim for the gaps between the cone and the post. Use the **Precision Placement Worksheet** to track success. Encourage students to "Pick a corner before they strike."
4
1v1 Keeper Simulation (20 mins)
Small groups. One striker, one keeper. Striker starts 10 yards out, dribbles in to 5 yards, and must score using *precision* only. Focus on composure—don't just panic and blast it at the keeper.
Coaching Points
The "L" Shape: Kicking foot should make an 'L' with the plant foot.Eyes on the Prize: Look up at the keeper, then down at the ball for the strike.Follow-Through: The foot should point exactly where you want the ball to go.
Misconceptions
"It's too slow": Students think precision is too easy to save. Remind them that a placed ball is harder to reach than a fast ball right at the keeper.Toe Poking: Students might resort to "toe-pokes" for accuracy. Correct them back to the inside-foot technique.
Field Setup: 1v1 Station
Striker Approach Line (10 Yards)
Dribble to Drive Slides Lesson 3
Dribble to Drive
The Art of the Setup Touch
Transition
Flow
Rhythm
The Flow
Can you keep control through the obstacle course and still launch a perfect shot at the end?
"Movement is the difference between a player and a shooter."
Game Reality
In a real game, the ball is rarely sitting still. You have to create your own chance!
The Setup Touch
This is the final touch before you strike. It's the most important part of the shot!
Angle
Push the ball slightly diagonally into the space you want to run into.
Weight
Not too soft, not too hard. It should be 1-2 steps ahead of you.
Timing
Strike as you enter your stride. Don't stop your feet!
Transition
Mastery
Small touches through the cones (Control).
Clear the last cone with a Setup Touch (Space).
Look up, pick your technique, and DRIVE (Finish).
The Danger Zone
If your setup touch is too small, you'll kick your own feet. If it's too big, the keeper will steal it! Find the "Goldilocks" Touch.
Drill: The Slalom Drive
Dribble through 5 cones as fast as possible, then execute a perfect 45-degree setup touch for a shot at the goal.
Speed
Touch
Finish
Dribble to Drive Teacher Guide Dribble to Drive
Lesson 3: Instructional Guide
5th Grade PE
Duration
45 - 60 Minutes
Objective
Transition smoothly from dribbling to shooting using a setup touch.
Key Move
The 45-degree setup touch into open space.
Drills & Progression
1
Warm-up: Chaos Dribbling (10 mins)
Students dribble in a confined box, avoiding others. On a whistle, they must find space and execute a "Setup Touch" (pushing the ball 2 yards ahead) then stop the ball. Emphasize the diagonal push.
2
The Slalom Course (15 mins)
Setup cones in a 10-yard line, 2 feet apart. Students weave through using small touches. After the last cone, they must immediately take a setup touch into space and shoot at the goal using either power or placement.
3
The Transition Challenge (20 mins)
Striker starts 20 yards out. Defender stands 5 yards to the side of the striker. On "GO," both sprint towards the goal. Striker must keep the ball and shoot before the defender can cut them off. Focus: One big setup touch to get clear for the shot.
Setup Touch Cues
"Out of the Feet": Get the ball away from your body so you can take a full stride."Angle for Power": Push the ball slightly to your dominant side to open the hips."No Pausing": The shot should happen in the same rhythm as the run.
Watch For...
The "Dead Stop": Students stopping the ball before shooting. This allows defenders to catch up.Crowded Feet: Taking the shot while the ball is underneath the body. Results in no power.
Extension Ideas
Visual Cues
As the student clears the cones, hold up a colored card. Red = Power shot, Blue = Precision placement. This forces them to look up during the setup touch.
Moving Targets
Have a partner roll the ball across the striker's path from the side. The striker must take one touch to control/setup and the second to shoot.
Dribble to Drive Worksheet The Setup Touch
Lesson 3: Dribble to Drive Reflection
Player Name
Training Date
The "Goldilocks" Touch
Finding the perfect weight for your setup touch is a balancing act. Draw a line from the "Problem" to the most likely "Result."
Touch is too SOFT
Touch is too HARD
Keeper or defender intercepts the ball
You trip over the ball or have no power
Transition Reflection
After the slalom course, what was harder: keeping the ball close through the cones, or making the big setup touch at the end? Why?
The Angle Secret
Why do we push the ball at a 45-degree angle rather than straight ahead when we want to take a power shot?
Next Lesson Prep
Get ready to take these skills into the air!
Airborne Attack Slides Lesson 4
Airborne Attack
Finishing Crosses and Volleys
Timing
Positioning
Impact
Sky-High
Goals
How do you score a goal when the ball hasn't even touched the ground yet?
"The ball is in the air. Time is your only weapon."
The Volley
Striking the ball before it touches the grass. High risk, massive reward!
The Volley Masterclass
Track
Follow the flight of the ball from the moment it leaves your teammate's foot.
Position
Get your body "sideways-on" and move your feet to meet the ball.
Strike
Keep your knee over the ball. Use the laces for power, or inside for placement.
The Volley
Hitting the ball purely in the air. Requires perfect timing and a balanced body.
Pure Air
Half-Volley
Hitting the ball immediately after it bounces. Easier to control but still powerful!
Off the Bounce
The Cross & Finish
A teammate crosses the ball from the side. You must track it and score using an Airborne Attack.
L
Level 1:
P
Level 2:
Airborne Attack Teacher Guide Airborne Attack
Lesson 4: Instructional Guide
5th Grade PE
Duration
45 - 60 Minutes
Objective
Apply timing to strike a ball coming from the side (cross) while airborne or bouncing.
Key Focus
Ball tracking, body positioning, and impact timing.
Lesson Progression
1
Volley Basics (10 mins)
Students pair up. One partner tosses the ball underhand to the other's chest height. The other partner "catches" it with their laces by letting the ball drop onto the foot and cushioning it. Transition this to a gentle volley back to the partner's hands.
2
The Side-On Approach (15 mins)
Demonstrate how to turn the body sideways to the ball flight. If the cross comes from the right, the body should face the right sideline initially, then pivot to strike. Practice without a ball first: "Turn, Pivot, Strike."
3
Stationary Cross Drill (20 mins)
Trios: One feeder (side of pitch), one striker (middle), one goalie. Feeder rolls the ball across the striker's path for a "half-volley" (off the bounce). Striker must time their run to meet the ball at the bounce. Safety: No high feet around keepers.
Volley Cues
"Knee Over Ball": Vital for keeping the volley from flying over the goal."Locked Ankle": Still essential! A floppy ankle results in a weak shot."Strike the Equator": Aim for the middle of the ball to drive it forward.
Safety Notes
No Bicycle Kicks: Advanced move. Not safe for 5th Grade PE settings.Keep Feet Low: Striking foot should not go above hip height to avoid hitting others.
Setup: The Cross Station
STRIKER
FEEDER
Airborne Attack Worksheet Airborne Challenge
Lesson 4: Cross & Volley Log
Player Name
Training Partner
The Mission
Your partner will cross the ball from the side. You have 10 attempts to score. Focus on timing and impact . Did you hit it off the bounce (Half-Volley) or purely in the air (Volley)?
Attempt Type (Volley/Half) Result (Goal/Saved/Miss) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Technique Reflection
Which part of the challenge was harder: tracking the flight of the ball, or timing your run to meet it? Explain.
Clutch Moment Slides Final Lesson
Clutch Moment
Penalty Kicks and Set Pieces
Focus
Routine
Victory
Under
Pressure
The game is tied, time is up, and it all comes down to one kick. Can you handle the pressure?
"Skill gets you to the spot. Mindset puts it in the net."
Mental Game
Before you kick, what is the goalkeeper thinking? What are you thinking?
Confidence > Fear
Routine > Luck
The Perfect Routine
Place
Set the ball yourself. Make sure it's on a flat patch of grass.
Retreat
Take 3-4 steps back and 1-2 to the side. Breathe deeply.
Pick
Decide your spot and your technique: Power or Precision?
Commit
Once you start your run, don't change your mind. TRUST IT!
Striker vs
Goalkeeper
Power beats a guessing keeper.
Placement beats a slow keeper.
Don't look at the spot you're aiming for!
Pro Tip
"Wait for the whistle. Take your time. You are in control of the clock."
Penalty Shootout!
It's time to put everything together. Power, Precision, Transition, and Timing. May the best striker win.
Quarter-Finals
Semi-Finals
The Final
Clutch Moment Teacher Guide Clutch Moment
Lesson 5: Tournament Guide
5th Grade PE
Duration
45 - 60 Minutes
Format
Penalty Shootout Knockout Tournament.
Skill Focus
Mental composure, routine, and technical mastery.
Shootout Rules
1
The Setup: Group students into pods of 4-6. Each pod uses one goal. Students rotate between Striker, Keeper, and Ref (Tracker).
2
The Kick: Ball is placed 10 yards (or 10 big steps) from the goal. Strikers must follow their routine (Place, Retreat, Pick, Commit).
3
The Best-of-3: Each 1v1 match is a best-of-3 kicks. If tied, it goes to "Sudden Death" (first to score while the other misses).
4
The Winner: Winners of each match move to the "Championship Bracket" for their pod.
Facilitation Notes
Enforce the Whistle: Don't let strikers kick before you or the pod ref blows the whistle. This builds pressure.Encourage Positive Sideline Talk . No heckling.
Focus on Goal Celebration vs. Keep Composure .
Quick Refresh
Remind students they have 4 types of shots now:
1. Power Drive (Laces)
2. Precision Pass (Inside foot)
3. Setup Strike (Off a tiny roll)
4. The Half-Volley (Advanced choice)
The "Free Kick" Challenge
If students finish early, set up a "Wall" of 3 cones in front of the goal. Students must shoot over or around the wall to score. This introduces curved shots and lofted balls.
Clutch Moment Worksheet Shootout Tracker
Lesson 5: Tournament Edition
Striker Name
Pod Goal #
My Match Results
Match 1
Vs. Player: ________________
My Score: ____ Their Score: ____
Match 2
Vs. Player: ________________
My Score: ____ Their Score: ____
The Final Evaluation
1. Which shooting technique did you use the most today? Why?
2. How did you stay calm when it was your turn to kick?
3. If you were the goalkeeper, what was the hardest shot to save?
Unit Complete
Goal Getters Shooting Clinic
